The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Darren’s sudden rise to stardom was like a stroke of luck for the whole Brooks family, casting a

serendipitous glow on each of them.

Quick to capitalize on the momentum, Rainbow Entertainment snatched up Darren’s management

contract, securing their chance to build the brotherly brand alongside Stephen, the other half of the

dynamic duo.

The PR team, sharp as ever, revealed Darren’s relationship with Kala, quashing the persistent online

rumors that the Brooks family was cursed with bad luck.

As a result, the Brooks family’s business ventures flourished.

Still, Melissa could not shake a weight on her heart.

Since Scott was taken away, the Brooks family had never reached out to Vivienne. Though Melissa’s

heart ached for the girl, she could not find the proper excuse to see her.

To Melissa, Vivienne was family. Despite the lack of blood ties, Vivienne was the daughter of her

dearest friend. The thought of severing that connection was unbearable.

Melissa had heard from Kala about Vivienne’s secret support for the Brooks family. She knew Vivienne

was not cold-hearted; she would repay kindness tenfold.

The reason Melissa hesitated to contact Vivienne, unlike Kala and others, was guilt.

The Brooks family had never treated Karen well, and now her daughter suffered the same fate. How

could Melissa not feel remorse?

Now that Vivienne had helped Darren become an overnight sensation, Melissa could no longer hold

back. She decided it was time to reach out.

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Gathering her children, including Kala, who was on set, she initiated a video call and laid out her plan.

“I want to invite Vivienne for dinner, and you all need to be there. Treat her like your own sister. Got it?”

Melissa was not just planning a dinner; she wanted her children and the adults to strengthen ties with

Vivienne and avoid leaving her in the cold. If Vivienne ever faced trouble at the hands of Percival, the

Brooks family would have her back.

Kala and her siblings had no objections, and Darren certainly could not miss it. After all, he still had the

parrot.

Only Ashley seemed perplexed. “Mom, Vivienne has brought nothing but trouble to our family, and you

still want to think about her? She’s like a jinx; nothing good happens when she’s around!”

“Ashley!” Melissa snapped, her brow furrowing in anger. “Think about it. Who really brought our family

to this point – Vivienne or the older generation’s misdeeds?”

Ashley, mouth agape, could not find the words to argue. Deep down, she knew that both Judith and

Scott had only been exposed by Vivienne because they had committed crimes. The family’s downfall

was not Vivienne’s fault.

But why did Vivienne have to be so harsh about it? Could she not have handled things more gently

instead of turning the Brooks family into a public spectacle?

Due to the scandal, Kala had been bullied in the industry, Darren had missed out on opportunities to

shine, and Ashley herself could not even hold her head up at school. Furthermore, Charlotte Redwood

had taken over her spot as the student representative at the last school anniversary – all because of

Vivienne.

Ashley could not forgive Vivienne, no matter what.

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Seeing no further objections, Melissa made her decision. “Carl, your father is away on business, but

you need to be there. You’ll be representing both your parents, do you understand?”

Carl nodded, glancing at his watch. “Aunt Melissa, if we’re done here, I need to head out. There’s

urgent business at the office.”

“Go on, then.”

As Carl rushed out and Kala ended the call, Darren hurried off to an appointment, leaving Ashley and

Melissa alone in the living room.

Melissa turned to her daughter, pleading, “Ashley, you’re young and don’t yet see how Vivienne’s

actions have ultimately benefited the Brooks family. When you grow up, you’ll understand that without

her, not just our family but even the Edwards could have been dragged down.”

Melissa’s husband, Vance Edwards, worked abroad on confidential national matters, and Ashley,

though unclear on the specifics, knew her father’s position was too sensitive to be compromised.

Despite understanding the gravity of the situation, Ashley remained stubbornly unforgiving towards

Vivienne.

Seeing Ashley’s sullen face, Carl tried to lighten the mood. “If you agree to go this time, I’ll let you join

me as my navigator at next week’s racing event.”

Ashley had long begged Carl to take her to a race, eager for the thrill. He had always refused, citing her

age, but now he offered a golden ticket.

Her mood instantly lifted. “Fine, I’ll go to the dinner. Happy now?”

Melissa exhaled in relief. “Just don’t give anyone a cold shoulder at the table, alright?”

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After finishing her piece, Melissa stood up and made her way back to her room, pulling her phone from

the pocket of her worn-out jeans. With a few swipes and taps, she dialed Vivienne’s number.

The call was unexpected for Vivienne. “Aunt Melissa, what’s up?”

Hearing the affectionate ‘Aunt Melissa,’ Melissa’s emotional dam broke, and tears began to stream

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Vivienne was taken aback. “What’s wrong?”

Wiping away her tears, Melissa tried to steady her voice. “Nothing’s wrong, sweetheart. I was just

thinking, why don’t we get the family together for dinner? Are you and Mr. Ellington available?”

“We’ve got time,” Vivienne replied without hesitation.

The truth was, Darren could not keep a secret to save his life; he had spilled the beans right after their

family video conference.

“Great, let’s meet the day after tomorrow. I’ll text you the restaurant’s address. I haven’t seen you in

ages, Vivienne, and I really miss you,” Melissa said, her voice trembling with emotion.

“Sure, we’ll be there on the dot.”

After hanging up, Vivienne let out a slow breath, a subtle smile on her lips. Her heart felt warm.

But she could not help but wonder, aside from Aunt Melissa, how many others were actually looking

forward to her return.

Melissa and her family arrived early at the restaurant, settling into the private dining room. Ashley was

there too, though less than thrilled, head bowed as she fiddled with her smartphone.

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Soon after, Vivienne and Percival walked in, their arms laden with thoughtfully selected gifts for

everyone.

“Vivienne, you shouldn’t have,” Melissa protested as she enveloped Vivienne’s hand with a warm,

welcoming grasp.

Vivienne did not pull away, saying, “Mr. Wolf insisted.”

Percival chuckled. “It’s the least I could do.”

The stage was set for a joyful reunion, but Ashley, detached and brooding in her corner, could not resist

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